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Proposed Bill Looks To Ban Texting & Driving In MA

BOSTON (WBZ) ― Driving while distracted -- it's a growing phenomenon as more and more people try to not only talk on their cells while behind the wheel, but also try to exchange text messages.

A bill that would ban those behaviors is expected to be taken up on Beacon Hill Wednesday.

Ben Laurro thinks he's got it all under control even if he's texting while he drives. "I always keep the phone within my vision, my vision of the road… Obviously its too busy or its too distracting, then obviously I will hold off."

But some state lawmakers say that type of self control isn't enough. A bill working its way through the legislature would not only ban drivers from texting behind the wheel, but also from using all hand held cell phones while driving.

"I have seen first hand the carnage and the tragedy that can result from even a split second diversion from the driving task," said Lt. James Jenson of the Drive for Life Coalition -- a national organization working to make all roads safer.

Jenson says drivers today just aren't giving their actions enough thought. "There's no message that's so important that you should risk your safety or some else's life."

But unfortunately, that's happening all too often. Just this past December, Craig Bigos of New Bedford was charged with hitting and killing 13-year-old Earman Machado. Bigos apparently lost control while texting. He thought he'd slammed into a mail box.

So should people be allowed to text and talk on the phone while driving in Massachusetts? According to our Fast Track by Survey USA, about 62 percent say that driving with a hand held cell phone shouldn't be allowed. Ninety percent say texting while driving should be against the law.

AAA is also trying to get the word out about the dangers of texting while driving. "Just don't do it, how can you possibly justify going along and paying attention to a miniature keyboard while you are driving?," said Lon Anderson of AAA.

Five other states have banned drivers from using hand held cell phones.

Washington State and New Jersey are the only states cracking down on texting while driving.

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